DEHP is a phthalate, a substance to make plastics more flexible. In the 1990s
it was the most commonly used plasticizer, added to many
PVC building materials, for example PVC
flooring.

Other examples of applications include: perfumes, and flexible PVC products
such as shower curtains, garden hoses, diapers, food containers, plastic film
for food packaging, bloodbags, catheters, gloves, and other medical equipments
such as tubes for fluids.

At present, DEHP is banned in all toys and childcare articles (see
European
Directive 2005/84/EC). The
use of this substance is also banned in cosmetics as it is considered to be
carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR-substance). (See
European Cosmetics Directive)